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Medical Assisting Pathways
Notes:
- The core curriculum for the medical assisting AAS degree and certificate has two starting points:
- Fall quarter start (fully in-person, daytime lectures and labs)
- Spring quarter start (blending of online lectures and in-person Tuesday and Thursday evening labs)
- You'll take the same core courses whether you're earning the degree or the certificate. To earn the medical assisting AAS degree, you must also earn 15 credits in general education courses and 9 credits in electives, either before or after the core courses.
- The medical assisting core courses for the degree and certificate take five consecutive quarters to complete, including summer. You must take the courses in sequence as assigned in the program schedule.
- All program courses must be passed with a C (2.0) grade or better.
- Prior to starting the core medical assisting program, you must place into MATH 97 or higher or complete MATH 94 or above; and place into ENGL& 101. If you're starting in classes numbered below 100, add those classes at the beginning of your pathway.
Both class sequences listed below include options for completing the certificate (66 credits) or the associate of applied science (AAS) degree (90 credits).
MEDICAL ASSISTING CERTIFICATE, FACE-TO-FACE, FALL START (66 CREDITS)
The medical assisting program prepares students to perform a broad range of administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of a physician/provider in a doctor's office or other medical setting.
Quarter 1
ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 113 Introduction to Medical Computing (3 credits)
| Description | This course is designed to increase competency and confidence using computers, hardware, and software. The course will also explore internet use for communication, collaboration, and research. Assignments will introduce and demonstrate medical professional writing and formatting. Students apply medical scenarios to projects demonstrating competency of software programs. Prerequisite: program admittance required. Recommended preparation: MATH 094, Keyboard 20 wpm. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 129 Concepts In Effective Communication (2 credits)
| Description | This course focuses on therapeutic and professional communication in the medical office. Students will learn components of effective communication, professional language and techniques, and how to use therapeutic communications strategies working with physicians and the office team. Content includes professionalism, customer service, charting, case presentation, psychosocial theory, and special populations. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 146 Medical Terminology for The Medical Assistant (4 credits)
| Description | This course provides an introduction to medical word building using root words, suffixes, prefixes, and combining forms. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 151 Protective Practices (2 credits)
| Description | This hands-on course will train students to apply the appropriate protective practices to office safety and office emergencies. Protective practices training will include blood-borne pathogen training, standard precautions, infectious diseases, infection control, disinfecting and sterilization, isolation precautions, and post-exposure plans. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program, Frist Aid and CPR certificate and seven hour HIV training. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 16
Career exploration: Interview a professional in your area of interest.
Career exploration: Join a student club or professional organization.
Action item: Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 2
MA 108 Medical Law and Ethics (2 credits)
| Description | This course covers legal issues affecting the medical office with an emphasis on prevention of liability using good practices and risk management. It includes legalities of medical records, federal and state health care legislation and regulations, access to patient information, contracts, consent, special populations, confidentiality, and ethical boundaries. Prerequisite: program admittance required. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101; Computer Literacy. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 141 Medical Office & Electronic Records (3 credits)
| Description | Medical Assistants provide a variety of administrative duties, including telecommunications, scheduling, referrals, patient intake, patient check-in and check-out procedures, opening and closing procedures. Students will practice using Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and office software to perform these tasks with an emphasis on professional communications, documentation, scope of practice, and confidentiality. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 147 The Human Body In Health and Disease I (4 credits)
| Description | This medically focused course is an integrated study of the structures, functions, and disease processes of the human body. This course covers anatomy, basic physiology, and pathology relating to the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic and immune systems. There will be a focus on wellness and prevention. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Prerequisite: MA 146 or concurrent enrollment. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | prior or concurrent enrollment in MA 146 |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 152 Clinical Procedures I (4 credits)
| Description | This is an introduction to the role and scope of practice as a clinical medical assistant. Students participate in scenarios performing clinical duties and working in an inter-professional team. There is a focus on basic rooming and vital signs collection, charting, basic patient interviewing, screening, cardiopulmonary procedures, and allergy testing. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 13
Quarter 3
MA 143 Intro to Practice Management and Basic Finance (4 credits)
| Description | An introduction to practice management. Course work includes daily finance practices, manual and automated systems, professional writing, office planning and procedures, office workflow and staffing, revenue cycle, insurance types, inventory, equipment maintenance, liability and incident reporting. Emphasis on written and computational accuracy, medical insurances, vendors, professionalism, problem-solving, and accounting practices. Required preparation: acceptance into the MA program. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 148 The Human Body In Health and Disease II (4 credits)
| Description | This medically focused course is an integrated study of the structures, functions, and disease processes of the human body. This course covers anatomy, basic physiology, and pathology of the endocrine, digestive, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, senses, and nervous systems. There will be a focus on wellness and prevention. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Prerequisite: MA 147 with a minimum grade of C. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MA 147 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 153 Clinical Procedures II (4 credits)
| Description | > An introduction to laboratory practices, specimen collection and processing, urinalysis, venipuncture, hematology, urinary catheterization, and CLIA-waived tests. Topics include relevant pathology, normal and abnormal values, computation, charting. Students practice lab procedures in the context of assisting providers, physician orders, patient preparation and education, and protocol. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Prerequisite: MA 152 with a minimum grade of C. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MA 152 with a minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 156 Pharmacology (4 credits)
| Description | > A basic pharmacology course covering classification of medications, dosage calculation, prescriptions, references, consent, and scope of practice. Competencies include administration of oral and parenteral medications, eye and ear instillation, suppositories, vaccinations, and assisting with implanted devices. Students do critical thinking exercises to address orders coordination, complications, and patient education. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 16
Quarter 4
MA 145 Insurance-Based Medical Billing and Coding (4 credits)
| Description | This course covers medical insurance, procedural (CPT), diagnostic (ICD-10), and HCPCS coding. Coding content includes CPT E&M, anesthesia, surgery, laboratory, pathology, radiology, medicine, and modifiers; and ICD-10 coding for body systems, disease, injuries, and neoplasms. Students use software in billing and coding simulations managing patient accounts and professionalism. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 154 Clinical Procedures III (4 credits)
| Description | This clinical course covers skills unique to special populations, specialty offices, minor surgery, age and culture specific care. Students practice assisting the providers with exams, procedures, and orders completion. Includes nutrition. Emphasis on coordination of services, patient education, time management, and critical thinking. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MA 153 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 157 Essentials of care navigation (5 credits)
| Description | Formerly HLTH 144. An introduction to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to apply care navigation for the client, first of three courses for a certificate in care navigation. Focus is on the human and healthcare services systems, client profiles, communication basics, chronic illness, and health coaching. Serves as foundational to advanced courses. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 13
Career exploration: Prepare your portfolio for your practicum.
Action item: Apply to graduate.
Quarter 5
MA 200 Practicum With Seminar (8 credits)
| Description | Medical assistant students are provided practical experience in an ambulatory care setting under the direct supervision of a medical professional. It provides skills practice, discussion, certification exam preparation and job preparation. This course meets the requirements for certification by the State of Washington. Required preparation: completion of all MA core courses with a minimum grade of C. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 8
Action item: Register for AAMA exam and Washington state licensure.
MEDICAL ASSISTING CERTIFICATE, HYBRID, SPRING START (66 CREDITS)
The medical assisting program prepares students to perform a broad range of administrative and clinical tasks under the supervision of a physician/provider in a doctor's office or other medical setting.
Quarter 1
ENGL& 101 English Composition I (5 credits)
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 113 Introduction to Medical Computing (3 credits)
| Description | This course is designed to increase competency and confidence using computers, hardware, and software. The course will also explore internet use for communication, collaboration, and research. Assignments will introduce and demonstrate medical professional writing and formatting. Students apply medical scenarios to projects demonstrating competency of software programs. Prerequisite: program admittance required. Recommended preparation: MATH 094, Keyboard 20 wpm. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 141 Medical Office & Electronic Records (3 credits)
| Description | Medical Assistants provide a variety of administrative duties, including telecommunications, scheduling, referrals, patient intake, patient check-in and check-out procedures, opening and closing procedures. Students will practice using Electronic Medical Record (EMR) and office software to perform these tasks with an emphasis on professional communications, documentation, scope of practice, and confidentiality. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 146 Medical Terminology for The Medical Assistant (4 credits)
| Description | This course provides an introduction to medical word building using root words, suffixes, prefixes, and combining forms. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 151 Protective Practices (2 credits)
| Description | This hands-on course will train students to apply the appropriate protective practices to office safety and office emergencies. Protective practices training will include blood-borne pathogen training, standard precautions, infectious diseases, infection control, disinfecting and sterilization, isolation precautions, and post-exposure plans. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program, Frist Aid and CPR certificate and seven hour HIV training. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 17
Career exploration: Interview a professional in your area of interest.
Career exploration: Join a student club or professional organization.
Action item: Apply for next year's financial aid.
Quarter 2
MA 108 Medical Law and Ethics (2 credits)
| Description | This course covers legal issues affecting the medical office with an emphasis on prevention of liability using good practices and risk management. It includes legalities of medical records, federal and state health care legislation and regulations, access to patient information, contracts, consent, special populations, confidentiality, and ethical boundaries. Prerequisite: program admittance required. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101; Computer Literacy. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 129 Concepts In Effective Communication (2 credits)
| Description | This course focuses on therapeutic and professional communication in the medical office. Students will learn components of effective communication, professional language and techniques, and how to use therapeutic communications strategies working with physicians and the office team. Content includes professionalism, customer service, charting, case presentation, psychosocial theory, and special populations. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 147 The Human Body In Health and Disease I (4 credits)
| Description | This medically focused course is an integrated study of the structures, functions, and disease processes of the human body. This course covers anatomy, basic physiology, and pathology relating to the skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic and immune systems. There will be a focus on wellness and prevention. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Prerequisite: MA 146 or concurrent enrollment. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | prior or concurrent enrollment in MA 146 |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 152 Clinical Procedures I (4 credits)
| Description | This is an introduction to the role and scope of practice as a clinical medical assistant. Students participate in scenarios performing clinical duties and working in an inter-professional team. There is a focus on basic rooming and vital signs collection, charting, basic patient interviewing, screening, cardiopulmonary procedures, and allergy testing. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 12
Quarter 3
MA 143 Intro to Practice Management and Basic Finance (4 credits)
| Description | An introduction to practice management. Course work includes daily finance practices, manual and automated systems, professional writing, office planning and procedures, office workflow and staffing, revenue cycle, insurance types, inventory, equipment maintenance, liability and incident reporting. Emphasis on written and computational accuracy, medical insurances, vendors, professionalism, problem-solving, and accounting practices. Required preparation: acceptance into the MA program. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 145 Insurance-Based Medical Billing and Coding (4 credits)
| Description | This course covers medical insurance, procedural (CPT), diagnostic (ICD-10), and HCPCS coding. Coding content includes CPT E&M, anesthesia, surgery, laboratory, pathology, radiology, medicine, and modifiers; and ICD-10 coding for body systems, disease, injuries, and neoplasms. Students use software in billing and coding simulations managing patient accounts and professionalism. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 148 The Human Body In Health and Disease II (4 credits)
| Description | This medically focused course is an integrated study of the structures, functions, and disease processes of the human body. This course covers anatomy, basic physiology, and pathology of the endocrine, digestive, urinary, reproductive, integumentary, senses, and nervous systems. There will be a focus on wellness and prevention. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Prerequisite: MA 147 with a minimum grade of C. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MA 147 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 153 Clinical Procedures II (4 credits)
| Description | > An introduction to laboratory practices, specimen collection and processing, urinalysis, venipuncture, hematology, urinary catheterization, and CLIA-waived tests. Topics include relevant pathology, normal and abnormal values, computation, charting. Students practice lab procedures in the context of assisting providers, physician orders, patient preparation and education, and protocol. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Prerequisite: MA 152 with a minimum grade of C. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MA 152 with a minimum grade of C |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 16
Quarter 4
MA 154 Clinical Procedures III (4 credits)
| Description | This clinical course covers skills unique to special populations, specialty offices, minor surgery, age and culture specific care. Students practice assisting the providers with exams, procedures, and orders completion. Includes nutrition. Emphasis on coordination of services, patient education, time management, and critical thinking. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of MA 153 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 156 Pharmacology (4 credits)
| Description | > A basic pharmacology course covering classification of medications, dosage calculation, prescriptions, references, consent, and scope of practice. Competencies include administration of oral and parenteral medications, eye and ear instillation, suppositories, vaccinations, and assisting with implanted devices. Students do critical thinking exercises to address orders coordination, complications, and patient education. Required preparation: admission into the MA Program. Recommended preparation: placement into ENGL& 101. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
MA 157 Essentials of care navigation (5 credits)
| Description | Formerly HLTH 144. An introduction to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to apply care navigation for the client, first of three courses for a certificate in care navigation. Focus is on the human and healthcare services systems, client profiles, communication basics, chronic illness, and health coaching. Serves as foundational to advanced courses. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 13
Career exploration: Prepare your portfolio for your practicum.
Action item: Apply to graduate.
Quarter 5
MA 200 Practicum With Seminar (8 credits)
| Description | Medical assistant students are provided practical experience in an ambulatory care setting under the direct supervision of a medical professional. It provides skills practice, discussion, certification exam preparation and job preparation. This course meets the requirements for certification by the State of Washington. Required preparation: completion of all MA core courses with a minimum grade of C. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 8
Action item: Register for AAMA exam and Washington state licensure.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR AAS DEGREE ONLY (24 CREDITS)
You may complete the additional requirements for the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree before or after you complete the core medical assisting curriculum. It is not recommended to complete these credits during the core program course load. Meet with an academic advisor about evaluation of any previous college level courses that may satisfy these requirements.
Quarter 1
CMST& 210 Interpersonal Communication (5 credits)
| Description | Designed to introduce students to basic interpersonal communication theory. Emphasis on topics such as functions of communication, self-concept, perception, conversation skills, relationship development and maintenance, self-disclosure, assertiveness, and conflict management strategies. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
or CMST 245 Introduction to Organizational Communication (5 credits )
| Description | Formerly CMST 145. This course is designed to introduce students to the field of organizational communication. Students will examine a range of perspectives, theories, and issues exploring the ways communication affects and is affected by the organizational context. Topics will include technology, diversity, and ethics in organizations; sexual harassment, negotiating/conflict management. The course involves theory application with a primary focus on the development of effective communication skills (e.g., interviewing, professional presentations, teamwork, responding non-defensively to criticism, leadership). Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
PSYC& 100 General Psychology (5 credits)
| Description | Surveys the knowledge and methods of the discipline of psychology. Emphasis include an overview of current knowledge in major areas of psychology, accessing and assessing information about behavior, skills inscientific reasoning and critical thinking. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
BUS 100 Business Math (5 credits)
| Description | Formerly BUSAD 100. Mathematical applications in business involving word problems. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or COMPUTATION click for list (5 credits)
Total general education credits: 15
Course note: Recommend you select from MATH course options to satisfy COMPUTATION requirement.
Quarter 2
Any college level course numbered 100 or above from the following disciplines: BIOL, BTEC, CHEM, CMST, CS, EDPL, HLTH, MA, MATH, NUTR, OFFAD or PSYC. Must have two different disciplines. (9 credits)
Total elective credits: 9